Car Accident Attorneys in Columbia, SC

You thought it could never happen to you. But, now you may be lying in a hospital bed, unable to work, and with a totaled car. You might have injuries you never imagined. It is no secret that car crashes happen every day. Whether it is due to intoxication, distracted driving, or speeding, drivers may take careless actions that can have serious consequences for other drivers, passengers, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and more. When an auto accident destroys your life, turn to the attorneys with the experience and legal savvy to help obtain full and fair compensation from the at-fault party.

For years, Peake & Fowler has been helping car accident victims like you recover the money they need after a serious crash. We represent a wide range of clients, from motorcycle drivers to bicyclists—anyone who has been affected by the trauma of an auto accident. Our South Carolina car crash attorneys are here to help you navigate the complex legal maze of personal injury claims. The insurance company is not on your side. We are.

Common causes of auto accidents

With technology taking over drivers’ attention, new drugs hitting the market all the time, and inexperienced teenagers getting behind the wheel, potential dangers are all over the road. At Peake & Fowler, our attorneys handle many types of auto accidents, including ones caused by:

• Distracted driving. From texting to putting on makeup, drivers are constantly taking their attention away from the road. Eating, drinking, smoking, making phone calls, and changing a song on the radio are all activities that divert a driver’s eyes and focus.
• Speeding. The faster a car was going when it impacts another car, the more severe the crash. High-speed accidents can total cars and leave injury victims with life-threatening injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding, and more.
• Drunk driving. Getting behind the wheel after having a few drinks can be a fatal mistake. Intoxicated drivers have slower reaction times, blurred vision, and reduced concentration. Drunk or drugged drivers are known to cause multi-car accidents, hit pedestrians or bicyclists, and even kill other drivers.
• Drowsy driving. Operating a vehicle while fatigued is another potentially deadly behavior. Besides the threat of falling asleep at the wheel, tired drivers can cause rear-end accidents because of reduced reaction times, veer into other lanes, or cause other life-threatening accidents.

Types of Car Accidents:

Head-On Collisions

In recent decades, medians and other types of barriers have been installed in many urban and suburban roads to help prevent head-on auto wrecks. Despite the progress that has been made, countless undivided roads remain, particularly in rural areas.

Head-on crashes can occur because of either deliberate or inadvertent actions. Some of the most common causes include:

• Failed Passing Maneuvers: On an undivided two-lane road, it is tempting to pass a vehicle in front of you that is driving slower than you want to go. Impatience can lead to poor driving decisions, however, like trying to pass the vehicle in front of you while an oncoming car is approaching from the other direction.
• Speeding: Driving too fast, especially on an undivided, winding rural road can quickly become hazardous if you encounter an oncoming vehicle from around the bend. Speeding gives you less time to slow down and ensure that you are staying in your lane when you pass by the other car.
• Reckless Driving: Reckless driving (S.C. Code § 56-5-2920) is defined as driving in a manner that indicates “a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.” In other words, the driver commits deliberate or unruly acts without any boundaries or limitations. In South Carolina, this is a misdemeanor offense that carries the possibility of up to 30 days in jail. But when a reckless driver’s actions cause severe injuries to others, the criminal penalties the driver is subject to provide very little comfort to injury victims and their families.
  For someone who is injured in a reckless driving car accident, the consequences can last for a lifetime. Many auto accident injuries are permanent and debilitating, requiring ongoing medical care. Victims also frequently have to miss a lot of time from work, if they are ever able to return to work at all. Add in the untold amounts of physical and emotional pain and suffering, and the extent of the damages suffered becomes very difficult to quantify.
• Distracted Driving: Despite heightened awareness campaigns and motorists who are more educated on the dangers of distracted driving, drivers still have a hard time staying off their phones when they are on the road. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that on average, 9 individuals are killed each day and over 1,000 are injured in the United States because of distracted driving. And according to Safewise, South Carolina is the third deadliest state for distracted-driving related fatalities, averaging 20.5 deaths per 100,000 population.
  It may come as little surprise to learn that younger drivers are the most likely to drive while distracted, with drivers age 15 to 19 being the number one group in this category. More than 40% admit to having texted or sent an e-mail while driving during the past 30 days, and it is estimated that 60% of all teen car accidents are caused by some form of driver distraction.
  Distracted driving can take many forms, some of the most common include:
  • Eating and drinking;
  • Talking to or handling passengers and the vehicle;
  • Putting on makeup/grooming;
  • Reading a GPS navigation system;
  • Tuning the car radio;
  • Reaching for objects;
  • Looking at billboards and other objects that distract from the road;
  • Talking on the phone;
  • Watching videos;
  • Taking photos;
  • Sending texts and other electronic messages.
• Drowsy/Fatigued Driving: Driving while drowsy or fatigued is far more common than most people realize. In a AAA survey, more than 40% of respondents admitted to having fallen asleep behind the wheel, and more than 10% admitted to having done this during the past year. Other studies have shown similar numbers, all pointing to the fact that there are a disturbingly high number of motorists who are too tired or fatigued to be safely operating a vehicle.
  Trucking companies do not help matters any when they put undue pressure on their drivers to deliver their loads on time. They often impose unrealistic deadlines on these drivers, forcing them to choose between pulling over at a truck stop to get the sleep they need, or violating Hours of Service guidelines to keep their deliveries on schedule.
  Drowsy driving accidents that are caused by commercial truck drivers can result in far more serious injuries and higher rates of fatalities than standard auto accidents. A tractor-trailer often weighs over 80,000 pounds when it is fully loaded, which is several times heavier than an average passenger vehicle. It is no wonder that when the two vehicles collide, occupants of passenger vehicles are 28 times more likely to be seriously injured or killed in the crash.
• Chemically-Impaired Driving: Some individuals make the horrible decision to get behind the wheel after having too much to drink or when they are in an altered state because of illegal drugs or even prescription drugs that are legal. A chemical impairment has different affects on different people. Some individuals drive recklessly when they are chemically impaired, while others tend to be sleepy and have slow reaction times.
• Inclement Weather: Poor driving conditions can lead to head-on collisions. Some examples include high winds and heavy rain. Snow and ice are not as common in South Carolina, but occasionally, temperatures drop below 32 degrees while it is raining, creating icy road conditions.
• Entering the Wrong Direction on a Freeway Ramp: As mentioned earlier, head-on crashes can be caused by a motorist who enters a freeway ramp while driving in the wrong direction or drives the wrong way down a one-way street. This type of move is usually inadvertent and tends to occur at night when it is more difficult to see the road signs.
• Mechanical Defects/Failures: Vehicles are more complexly designed than ever before. The latest models have sophisticated computer systems designed to keep us safer. The problem with these complicated systems is that, when they break down while driving, it can become a hazardous situation for occupants of the vehicle and others they share the road with.

Common Injuries that Result from Head-On Crashes

Head-on auto wrecks have a high potential for fatalities. In addition to wrongful death, these types of accidents can result in serious and catastrophic injuries, such as:

• Cuts, Bruises, and Broken Bones
• Back and Neck Injuries
• Spinal Cord Injuries
• Blunt Force Trauma
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
• Whiplash and Other Soft Tissue Injuries

Two cars colliding with each other at high speeds is not unlike the affects of crashing into a brick wall. Those involved often face a long road to recovery, if they are able to recover at all.

Damages in Head-On Collision Cases

When someone is injured in a head-on crash and it is the fault of the other driver, they are entitled to damages. Compensatory damages may be paid out for several different types of losses, including:

• Medical Bills;
• Rehabilitation Costs;
• Cost for Ongoing Medical Treatment (if the injury is permanent);
• Lost Wages;
• Loss of Earning Capacity;
• Physical Pain and Suffering;
• Psychological Distress;
• Diminished Quality of Life;
• Loss of Consortium.

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end collisions are among the most common types of auto accidents. These accidents occur when the front end of one vehicle strikes the rear of the other vehicle. This can sometimes set off a chain reaction and cause multiple vehicles to be involved in rear-end wrecks. This scenario is especially common when there is heavy traffic on the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rear-end accidents account for approximately one-third of all motor vehicle accidents. Though these types of accidents rarely cause fatalities, injuries sustained are often more serious than first believed.

At Peake & Fowler, we have several decades of combined experience representing victims of rear-end accidents and all other types of personal injuries in South Carolina. Our attorneys were born and raised here, our families are here, and we are active members of the local community. We have in-depth knowledge of South Carolina personal injury laws, and we have a strong track record of success with these types of cases. We understand what injury victims go through, and we do all we can to make the legal process smooth and seamless. This allows you to focus on your physical and emotional recovery while we seek to recover full financial compensation on your behalf.

Common Causes of Rear-End Wrecks

There are a number of reasons rear-end collisions occur, here are some of the most common:

• Tailgating:In South Carolina, thousands of rear-end accidents happen each year because one car was following the other too closely. Drivers are supposed to maintain at least a three or four-second following distance to stay safe under normal driving conditions. This distance should be increased if there is adverse weather. When motorists do not follow these guidelines, they heighten the danger of colliding with the car in front of them.
• Speeding/Reckless Driving:When someone is speeding excessively or otherwise driving recklessly, they generally have a willful and wanton disregard for following the rules and ensuring the safety of themselves and others on the road. All too often, this type of behavior results in a rear-end wreck.
• Sudden Stops:Sometimes, all it takes to cause a rear-end collision is a sudden stop by one or more vehicles in front of the colliding car. There are times when the lead vehicle has no other choice but to make a sudden stop because of rapid traffic slowdowns or other conditions in front of them. Other times, they might stop suddenly for no apparent reason.
• Distracted Driving:The increased use of smartphones has resulted in a growing number of rear-end wrecks caused by distracted driving. Texting while driving, checking emails on your cell phone, and similar practices are especially dangerous, because they distract drivers in three ways; visually, manually, and cognitively. Very often, drivers who are looking down at their cell phones fail to look up in time to notice that the car in front of them has slowed down.
• Driver Fatigue:Rear-end collisions can be caused by drivers who are tired, fall asleep at the wheel, and collide with the car in front of them without even realizing it. Driver fatigue is especially common among commercial drivers who are often pressured to work long hours without getting enough rest.
• DUI/DWI:Drivers who are impaired by alcohol, illegal drugs, or even prescription drugs tend to have slower reaction times. This can inhibit the ability to slow down enough to avoid a rear-end accident.
• Bad Weather:Heavy rain, fog, ice, and snow can impair visibility and create slippery driving conditions. If drivers don’t adjust to conditions and allow for longer braking distances, they increase the chances of a fender-bender.
• Faulty Brakes:Your ability to stop in time to avoid a rear-end accident depends on having functional brakes. If your brakes, brake lines, or any part of your braking system are faulty, this can heighten the chances of colliding with the car in front of you. When this occurs, the vehicle part manufacturer, designer, supplier, or distributor may be at fault.

As mentioned earlier, rear-end collisions rarely result in fatalities, but serious injuries are possible. One of the most common is known as whiplash. Whiplash occurs when the neck is jolted beyond its normal range of motion, resulting in the muscles and ligaments to become strained. Whiplash can occur even when a vehicle is struck at low to moderate speeds, and this condition can sometimes result in chronic or permanent disability. When occupants of the front vehicle are struck at higher speeds, more severe injuries can occur, such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), broken bones, and many others.

Rollover Accidents

Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs), light trucks, and vans are popular family vehicles in South Carolina, but they pose a particular risk that many owners aren’t advised of before they leave the car dealership. Because of their higher profile and center of gravity, these vehicles have a greater chance of being involved in a rollover accident.

The inherent design defect in these types of vehicles makes them less stable on the road than a standard automobile. Because of this, even a normal maneuver, such as a quick lane change or swerving to avoid an object, could trigger a dangerous rollover accident.

What Causes Rollover Accidents?

A rollover accident occurs when a vehicle is flipped either onto its side or its roof during an accident. Just by their nature, these are serious accidents that cause a massive amount of property damage and some of the most serious injuries on the road. The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) reports that 90% of rollover accidents are caused by “tripping,” which means that the vehicle slides sideways and the tires “trip” on something, causing the car to overturn.

Some of the most common causes of rollover accidents include:

• Speeding
• Striking a curb
• Swerving and sharp turns
• Collision
• Road hazards
• Tire blowout
• Braking error
• Hazardous weather
• Vehicle design
• Car part malfunctions
• Trailer pulling accidents
• DUI

Common Rollover Accident Injuries

Most vehicles aren’t equipped to hold up in a violent rollover accident. If a car, truck or SUV has weak roof supports, the entire structure can collapse, causing catastrophic injury and even sudden death. Statistics also show that many rollover accident victims are ejected from their vehicles, also because of such things as system failures and faulty equipment. Some of the most common rollover accident injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injury
• Skull fractures
• Spinal cord injuries
• Amputations
• Paralysis
• Paraplegia and quadriplegia
• Internal injuries
• Burns
• Broken bones and crushing injuries
• Wrongful death

What should you do if you are in a car accident in South Carolina?

There are some very simple steps to take after an accident:

1. Call the police and 9-1-1.
2. Do not admit any fault to the other driver or law enforcement.
3. Go to the hospital for injury treatment, even if you feel fine in the moment.
4. Call your insurance company and report the accident.
5. Follow up with your doctors.
6. Keep all medical records and bills.

South Carolina is a tort liability state, which means the not-at-fault person can pursue a claim against the at-fault party. South Carolina is also a comparative negligence state, which means you can be barred from collecting for the percentage you contributed to the accident.

Please call an attorney as soon as possible or have a loved one call on your behalf. A lawyer can ensure that your rights are protected. Do not speak to insurance adjusters or accept the first settlement offer. They are not on your side. They are in the business of making money, so adjusters may offer you a settlement for less than your case is worth.

Our auto accident lawyers at Peake & Fowler accept no upfront fees, and you only owe us compensation if your claim is successful. So, it never hurts to speak with one of our attorneys. You have nothing to lose.

What if you are involved in an accident with someone who doesn’t have insurance?

All drivers must be insured before hitting the road in South Carolina. This is the minimum amount of coverage required:

• $25,000 bodily injury per person
• $50,000 bodily injury per accident
• $25,000 property damage per accident

However, if you are involved in an accident with someone who is not insured, you should be protected by your uninsured motorist coverage.

In the state of South Carolina, you are required to carry uninsured motorist coverage. This means if a driver without insurance causes a collision, your policy should protect you from having to pay out-of-pocket for the damages. You must carry uninsured motorist coverage equal to the minimum amounts of liability coverage (25/50/25). In most cases, there is a $200 deductible.

If the person who caused your car accident does not have insurance, report the claim to your insurance company and your attorney.

Speak with a hard-hitting auto accident lawyer in Columbia right away

Most people do not know their rights. They don’t know how to handle negotiations with an insurance company. They are not sure how to get every penny they deserve. That is where the Columbia car accident attorneys at Peake & Fowler come in. Our tenacious legal team is ready to fight for you. Call us today at 803-788-4370 or complete our contact form to arrange your no-cost, no-obligation initial consult.